These no-bake Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars are the perfect after-school treat! With layers of chocolate and peanut butter, they are decadent and luscious. It’s the best of salty and sweet. This homemade version of the classic cafeteria dessert will surely become a family favorite.
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The Best Lunch Lady Bars
This is by far the best recipe for lunch lady peanut butter bars. It’s so easy to make and my kids love them! All you need is 5 ingredients which are both easy to find and inexpensive. I like to make these peanut butter bars for holidays, birthday parties, and summer barbecues!
Back in the day, cafeteria lunches were all homemade. These days, they are made in bulk to accommodate the number of kids we see in school. Since healthy eating has become more important, sugary desserts are no longer served – including school peanut butter bars. Don’t worry; now you can make them yourself and enjoy them any time you want. I wholeheartedly believe that treating yourself every once in a while is self-care. So why not make these peanut butter bars?
Key Ingredients You’ll Need for these Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars
This recipe calls for common ingredients that you may have in your kitchen already. You will find the exact amounts on the recipe card below.
- Butter: Salted or unsalted will be fine but I prefer unsalted.
- Powdered Sugar
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: I crush honey graham crackers for this.
- Peanut Butter
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: They need to be melted.
How to Make Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars
Prep time for these rich treats is only 15 minutes. As long as you can wait for them to firm up in the fridge for at least 1 hour, it takes such little time!
- Prepare a Baking Dish. You will need to line an 8×8 baking dish with aluminum foil. Make sure there is some extra hanging over the sides for easy removal. Parchment paper will also work great.
- Make the First Layer. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Mix the melted butter with the powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and peanut butter. Make sure it is well combined and smooth.
- Add to the Dish. Pour the peanut butter mixture into the bottom of the lined baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Prepare Chocolate. Melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring each time until smooth. Use a medium microwave-safe bowl for this step.
- Add to the First Layer. Pour the melted chocolate over the top of the peanut butter mixture and spread evenly.
- Chill. Place in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up.
- Serve. Slice into 16 equal bars and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
Everything you need to know about this recipe is right here! Including variation ideas to make this peanut butter bar recipe your own.
- Chocolate Chips. Substitute the semi-sweet chocolate for a different kind if you like. Dark, milk, or white all make delicious lunch lady bars.
- Peanut Butter. This recipe calls for smooth and creamy peanut butter. If you want a little texture, use crunchy peanut butter instead.
- Pan Ideas. Want an easy way to serve these for a crowd? Use a cupcake pan! Spoon each of the layers into the portions. Cupcake liners will make cleanup a breeze and keep them from sticking.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I do not recommend leaving them at room temperature. They will become soft and start to melt.
Can I Freeze This?
You can absolutely freeze these peanut butter bars! I recommend cutting them beforehand so they can be frozen individually. This makes it easier to thaw. They will last in the freezer for 2-3 months.
More Peanut Butter Dessert Recipes
- Peanut Butter Lasagna
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake
- Peanut Butter Banana Bites
- Easy Peanut Butter Fudge
- No Bake Peanut Butter Pie
More Dessert Bar Recipes
- 7 Layer Bars Recipe
- Strawberry Lemon Bars
- S’Mores Bars Recipe
- Loaded Brookie Bars
- Mint Oreo Cookie Bars
Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips melted
Instructions
- . Line a 8×8 baking dish with foil and leave some overhang on the sides to make it easier to remove the bars from pan.
- In a large microwave bowl melt the butter.
- To the butter add the powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs and peanut.
- Mix until well combined.
- Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- In a medium microwave safe bowl melt the chocolate chips in 30 second intervals until melted and smooth.
- Refrigerate 1 hour until firm.
- Remove the bars from pan and carefully slice into 16 bars.
- Serve!
Last Step:
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white chocolate if you like. While creamy peanut butter is traditional you can also use crunchy peanut butter.
Nutrition
